Shaun Gladwell: The Inspector of Tides

Overview

Shaun Gladwell doesn’t shy away from dissonance. His practice lies somewhere between surfing, skate parks and French philosophy. Much of his work is a bit like putting an intellectual coat of paint on Australian vernacular. After a major survey exhibition earlier this year, this contemporary heavyweight will be presenting a brand new series at Anna Schwartz Gallery this month.

The Inspector of Tides makes reference to the second volume of poetry from Michael Dransfield. As something of a transnational and trans-historical wanderer, Gladwell is drawn to the eclecticism of the late Australian poet’s verse. This expansive exhibition will be rich with cultural references and will involve a range of stylistic approaches, from photography and painting through to installation and video.

Image: Shaun Gladwell, Severed Head (Maximus), 2015. Photograph by Dean Tirkot. Courtesy the artist and Anna Schwartz Gallery.